Touch-free dispensers

ABSTRACT

Exemplary soap, sanitizer and lotion dispensers are disclosed herein. An exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle for receiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizer or lotion; a pump in fluid communication with the container; a power source; a pump coupled to a motor and pulse width modulation circuitry in circuit communication with the power source and the motor. The pulse width modulation circuitry is initially set to cause a selected dose of fluid to be dispensed at a base speed. A sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of an actual speed of a dispense of the fluid is also included. When the actual speed of the dispense of fluid is less than the base speed or greater than the base speed, the pulse width modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width to cause the speed of a following dispense of fluid to be closer to the base speed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention the benefits of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/581,830, titled TOUCH-FREE DISPENSERS,filed on Nov. 6, 2017 and which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to touch free soap, sanitizer orlotion dispenser systems and more particularly to power systems fortouch free dispensers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In touch-free (or hands-free) dispensers, a liquid or foam pump isactivated by a drive actuator through a drive cycle to dispense a doseof fluid. The drive actuator is powered by a direct current (DC) motorwith a drive train formed of gears or other known mechanical components.The drive train (including the motor) strokes or spins the pump. Themotor is typically powered by a battery. The power that is delivered tothe motor is determined by the motor draw (or load on the motor) and thepower capacity of the power source. Dispensers typically use acontroller or microprocessor that receives a signal from a user sensorto dispense a dose of fluid and sends a signal to a switch device (suchas, for example, a power transistor or relay). The switch deviceconnects the power source to the motor for the duration of the actuationcycle. The motor draws power (or current) from the power source as itneeds and the power source provides power at whatever level that it canprovide. Typical dispensers do not control on the motor speed or limitpower delivered from the power source.

SUMMARY

Exemplary soap, sanitizer and lotion dispensers are disclosed herein. Anexemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle for receiving acontainer; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizer or lotion; apump in fluid communication with the container; a power source; a pumpcoupled to a motor and pulse width modulation circuitry in circuitcommunication with the power source and the motor. The pulse widthmodulation circuitry is initially set to cause a selected dose of fluidto be dispensed at a base speed. A sensor for detecting a parameterindicative of an actual speed of a dispense of the fluid is alsoincluded. When the actual speed of the dispense of fluid is less thanthe base speed or greater than the base speed, the pulse widthmodulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width of the voltage to cause thespeed of a following dispense of fluid to be closer to the base speed.

Another exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle forreceiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizeror lotion; a pump in fluid communication with the container; a powersource; a motor coupled to the pump; memory for storing a stored speedof dispense; pulse width modulation circuitry in circuit communicationwith the power source and the motor; a sensor for sensing rotation ofthe pump or motor; and a processor for receiving a signal from thesensor and determining a speed of dispense for a dose of fluid. Theprocessor causes the pulse width circuitry to adjust the width of thevoltage pulse applied to the motor after a preselected number ofdispenses to cause a following speed of dispense to be at about thestored speed of dispense.

Another exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle forreceiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizeror lotion; a pump in fluid communication with the container; a powersource; a motor coupled to the pump; a processor; and pulse widthmodulation circuitry in circuit communication with the power source andthe motor. The pulse width modulation circuitry is initially set tocause a selected dose of fluid to be dispensed over a selected period oftime. A sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of selected dose offluid being dispensed is also included. The processor uses the parameterindicative of a selected dose of fluid being dispensed and the time ofdispense to cause the pulse width modulation circuitry to adjust thewidth of the voltage pulse to cause a following dispense of fluid to bedispensed over the selected period of time.

Another exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle forreceiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizeror lotion; a key secured to the container. The key contains dataindicative of a parameter used to determine a dispense speed anddispense time. A reader for reading the data on the key; a processor;pulse width modulation circuitry; a motor; a pump coupled to the motorand a power source are included in the dispenser. The processor causesthe pulse width modulation circuitry to deliver a voltage to the motorhaving a pulse width selected as a function of the data read from thekey to dispense at the desired speed for a desired dispense time.

Another exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle forreceiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizeror lotion; a communication port; a processor; memory; pulse widthmodulation circuitry; a motor; a pump coupled to the motor; and a powersource. The communication port is configured to receive one or moresignals for setting the speed of dispense and the time of dispense. Theprocessor causes the pulse width modulation circuitry to deliver avoltage to the motor having a pulse width selected as a function of theone or more signals to dispense at the desired speed for a desireddispense time.

Another exemplary dispenser includes a housing; a receptacle forreceiving a container; a reservoir located below the receptacle; thereservoir having an inlet; the reservoir having an outlet. The inlet andthe outlet are offset from one another. A pump is included that has aninlet connected to the reservoir outlet. A motor is coupled to the pumpand a power source are also included. The reservoir is filled from arefill unit that includes the container and the pump draws fluid out ofthe reservoir.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome better understood with regard to the following description andaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a illustrative schematic diagram of an exemplary dispensersystem having a refill unit;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are exemplary illustrations of pulse width modulated dutycycles;

FIG. 4 is a illustrative schematic diagram of an exemplary dispensersystem having a refill unit;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary touch free dispenser system with a refill unit;

FIG. 6 is the exemplary touch free dispenser and refill unit of FIG. 5with the refill unit being removed from the dispenser; and

FIGS. 7 through 9 are exemplary methodologies for calibrating adispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of exemplary terms used throughoutthe disclosure. Both singular and plural forms of all terms fall withineach meaning. Except where noted otherwise, capitalized andnon-capitalized forms of all terms fall within each meaning:

“Circuit communication” as used herein indicates a communicativerelationship between devices. Direct electrical, electromagnetic andoptical connections and indirect electrical, electromagnetic and opticalconnections are examples of circuit communication. Two devices are incircuit communication if a signal from one is received by the other,regardless of whether the signal is modified by some other device. Forexample, two devices separated by one or more of thefollowing—amplifiers, filters, transformers, optoisolators, digital oranalog buffers, analog integrators, other electronic circuitry, fiberoptic transceivers or satellites—are in circuit communication if asignal from one is communicated to the other, even though the signal ismodified by the intermediate device(s). As another example, anelectromagnetic sensor is in circuit communication with a signal if itreceives electromagnetic radiation from the signal. As a final example,two devices not directly connected to each other, but both capable ofinterfacing with a third device, such as, for example, a CPU, are incircuit communication.

Also, as used herein, voltages and values representing digitizedvoltages are considered to be equivalent for the purposes of thisapplication, and thus the term “voltage” as used herein refers to eithera signal, or a value in a processor representing a signal, or a value ina processor determined from a value representing a signal.

“Signal”, as used herein includes, but is not limited to one or moreelectrical signals, analog or digital signals, one or more computerinstructions, a bit or bit stream, or the like.

“Logic,” synonymous with “circuit” as used herein includes, but is notlimited to hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each toperform a function(s) or an action(s). For example, based on a desiredapplication or needs, logic may include a software controlledmicroprocessor or microcontroller, discrete logic, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other programmed logicdevice. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. The circuitsidentified and described herein may have many different configurationsto perform the desired functions.

The values identified in the detailed description are exemplary and theyare determined as needed for a particular dispenser and/or refilldesign. Accordingly, the inventive concepts disclosed and claimed hereinare not limited to the particular values or ranges of values used todescribe the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary dispenser 100 with a refill unit 110installed therein. Dispenser 100 includes a housing 102. In someembodiments, housing 102 encloses the refill unit 110. In someembodiments, refill unit 110 is partially located within hosing 102. Insome embodiments, refill unit 110 connects to the top of housing 102.Located within housing 102 is system circuitry 130.

System circuitry 130 may be on a single circuit board or on multiplecircuit boards. In addition, some of the circuitry 130 may be mountedseparately, i.e. not located on a circuit board, and electricallyconnected to the other components as required. In this embodiment,system circuitry 130 includes a processor 132, memory 133, an optionalheader 134 that may be used for programming the dispenser, a powersource 136, a voltage regulator 138, an object sensor 142, pulse widthmodulation circuitry 180, switching device 182, optional wirelesscommunication circuitry 140, and a speed sensor 190. In variousembodiments, not all of these components are required. In someembodiments, pulse width modulation circuitry 180 may be power controlcircuitry. Pulse width modulation varies the power delivered to themotor by varying the width of the pulse of voltage applied to the motor.Other power control circuitry may include, for example, circuitry forvarying the voltage or varying the current. All of the embodimentsdescribed herein with respect to pulse width modulation circuitry shouldalso be construed to disclosing power control circuitry for performingthe functions described herein with respect to pulse width modulationcircuitry (and may be referred to as a communication port).

Processor 132 may be any type of processor, such as, for example, amicroprocessor or microcontroller, discrete logic, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other programmed logicdevices or the like. Processor 132 is in circuit communication withoptional header 134. Header 134 is a circuit connection port that allowsa user to connect to system circuitry 130 to program the circuitry, rundiagnostics on the circuitry and/or retrieve information from thecircuitry.

Processor 132 is in circuit communication with memory 133. Depending onthe need, memory 133 may be any type of memory, such as, for example,Random Access Memory (RAM); Read Only Memory (ROM); programmableread-only memory (PROM), electrically programmable read-only memory(EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),flash, magnetic disk or tape, optically readable mediums includingCD-ROM and DVD-ROM, or the like, or combinations of different types ofmemory. In some embodiments, the memory 133 is separate from theprocessor 132, and in some embodiments, the memory 133 resides on orwithin processor 132.

A power source 136, such as, for example, one or more batteries, is alsoprovided. The power source 136 is in circuit communication with optionalvoltage regulator circuitry 138. In some exemplary embodiments, voltageregulator circuitry 138 provides regulated power to processor 132,object sensor 142, wireless communication circuitry 140.

Optional wireless communication circuitry 140 may be any type ofwireless transmitting and/or receiving circuitry, such as for example,wireless RF, BlueTooth®, ANT®, infrared, or the like, configured toallow wireless communication with the dispensers disclosed herein and/orwireless programming of the dispensers disclosed herein.

Processor 132 is also in circuit communication with an optional objectsensor 142 for detecting whether an object is present in the dispensearea. Object sensor 142 may be any type of passive or active objectsensor, such as, for example, an infrared sensor and detector, aproximity sensor, an imaging sensor, a thermal sensor or the like.

In addition, processor 132 is in circuit communication with pulse widthmodulation circuitry 180. Pulse width modulation circuitry 180 is incircuit communication with switching device 182. In some embodiments,pulse width modulation circuitry 180 and switching device 182 arecombined as one circuit. In some embodiments, pulse width modulationcircuitry 180 may be replaced with voltage adjusting circuitry (notshown), or current adjusting circuitry (not shown) that may be used toadjust the voltage or current up or down to perform the functionsclaimed herein.

Switching device 182 is in circuit communication with power source 136and motor 150. During operation, processor 132 provides signals to pulsewidth modulation circuitry 180, which cause pulse width circuitry 180 tocontrol switching device 182 to modulate the power provided by powersource 136 to drive motor 150. More detailed descriptions of themodulated are described below. In some alternate embodiments theswitching device 182 adjust the voltage and in some other alternateembodiments, switching device adjusts the current.

Processor 132 is in circuit communication with speed sensor 190 whichmeasures speed of an element that correlates to producing an output ofdispenser 100. In some embodiments, speed sensor 190 determines therotational speed of motor 150 and/or pump 116. Accordingly, speed sensor190 may be an any type of sensor that provides a feedback signalindicative of rotation or the motor 150 and/or pump 116. In someembodiments, speed sensor 190 senses revolutions of the motor 150 and/orpump 116 over a period of time, in some embodiments, speed sensor 190senses rotational speed. The exemplary embodiments described herein haverotary pumps, however, in some embodiments, the pump is a piston pump.In the event of a piston pump, speed sensor 190 may sense linear motionof an output piston. In some embodiments, speed sensor 190 sensesmovement of the piston from point A to point B. In some embodiments,speed sensor 190 is an optical sensor. In some embodiments, speed sensor190 senses an electric field. In some embodiments, speed sensor senses amagnetic field. In some embodiments, speed sensor 190 senses acapacitance. In some embodiments, speed sensor 190 senses an inductance.In some embodiments, speed sensor 190 senses pressure to provide asignal indicative of speed. In some embodiments, speed sensor 190determines a speed based on one or more current wave forms. In someembodiments, speed sensor 190 may be used to determine the number ofrotations of a pump or motor. In some embodiments, speed sensor 190 maybe a magnetic reed.

In this exemplary embodiment, refill unit 110 is shown inserted in thedispenser 100 of FIG. 1. Refill unit 110 is inserted into dispenser 100and removed from dispenser 100 as a unit. Refill unit 110 includes acontainer 112, a closure 192, an outlet valve (not shown) and in someembodiments, an air inlet valve (not shown) or vent valve. In someembodiments, refill unit 110 also includes a foamable liquid, such as,for example, a foamable soap, sanitizer, lotion, moisturizer or otherliquid used for personal hygiene. In some embodiments, refill unit 110is for use in a liquid dispenser, rather than a foam dispenser, andfilled with liquid that is not foamed.

When the processor 132, through object sensor 142, determines that anobject is within the dispense zone, the processor 132, through pulsewidth modulation circuitry 180 and switching device 182, causes themotor 150 to operate. Fluid is drawn from container 112 through liquidinlet 194 and into pump 116, which is driven by motor 150. In thisexemplary embodiment, pump 116 is a sequentially operatedmulti-diaphragm pump that includes one liquid pump chamber and 3 airpump chambers. Some exemplary embodiments contain: more than one liquidpump chamber/diaphragm: more than 3 air pump chambers/diaphragms: orless than 3 air pump chambers/diaphragms. In some exemplary embodiments,a piston pump is used to pump the fluid.

Exemplary embodiments of sequentially operated multi-diaphragm pumps areshown and disclosed in: U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.15/429,389 filed on Feb. 10, 2017 and titled HIGH QUALITY NON-AEROSOLHAND SANITIZING FOAM; U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No.15/369,007 filed on Dec. 5, 2016 and titled SEQUENTIALLY ACTIVATEDMULTI-DIAPHRAGM FOAM PUMPS, REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSER SYSTEMS; U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/355,112 filed on Nov. 18,2016 and titled SEQUENTIALLY ACTIVATED MULTI-DIAPHRAGM FOAM PUMPS,REFILL UNITS AND DISPENSER SYSTEMS; U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 15/350,190 filed on Nov. 14, 2016 and titled IMPROVED FOAMINGCARTRIDGE; U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/356,795 filed onNov. 21, 2016 and titled FOAM DISPENSING SYSTEMS, PUMPS AND REFILL UNITSHAVING HIGH AIR TO LIQUID RATIOS; and U.S. Non-Provisional applicationSer. No. 15/480,711 filed on Apr. 6, 2017 and titled FOAM DISPENSINGSYSTEMS, PUMPS AND REFILL UNITS HAVING HIGH AIR TO LIQUID RATIOS; eachof which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Additional exemplary dispensers as well as more detail on circuitry forthe touch free dispensers may be more fully described and shown in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/770,360 titled Power Systems for TouchFree Dispensers and Refill Units Containing a Power source, filed onFeb. 19, 2013 which is also incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The rotation of motor 150 and pump 116 are detected by speed sensor 190.In this particular embodiment, speed sensor 190 determines revolutionsof the motor 150, on or more gears (not shown) and/or pump 116. In thisexemplary embodiment, one “dose” of fluid is produced by a selectednumber of revolutions of the motor 150 and/or pump 116. In thisexemplary embodiment, the dispenser 100 is set to dispense a selecteddose of fluid over a selected time period. For example, the dispensermay be set to dispense a dose of fluid, e.g. 1.5 mL, in a selected timeperiod, for example, 1.5 seconds. Pulse width modulation circuitry 180is set to control switching device 182 to provide a voltage havingselected pulse widths to motor 150. The original selected pulse widthmay be, for example, a 50% duty cycle pulse width. The original pulsewidths may be selected based on original specifications, such as, forexample, a fully charged power source, a new motor, a full fluidcontainer and the like.

Each time, or periodically, the dispenser 100 dispenses a selected doseof fluid, the dispense time it takes for the motor 150 and/or pump 116to rotate the selected number of rotations to dispense the selected dosevolume of fluid, is determined by the processor 132 and the dispensetime and/or speed are stored in memory 133. The dispense time and/orspeed may be used to adjust the pulse-width of future dispenses. Forexample, if the pulse width is originally set at a 50% duty cycle todispense the selected dose volume of fluid, for example, 1.5 ml in aselected time, for example, 1.5 seconds, and processor 132 determinesthat it took 1.6 seconds to dispense the selected dose volume of fluid,the width of the pulses may be increased, to for example, 55%, toincrease the speed of the motor which decreases the time to dispense theselected dose of fluid.

In some embodiments, the recalibration or resetting of the pulse-widthoccurs after each dispense event, however, preferable, the recalibrationoccurs periodically. In some embodiments, the recalibration occurs aftera selected number of dispenses, such as, for example, every 20dispenses, 30 dispenses, 40 dispense, 50 dispenses, or any desirednumber of dispenses. In some embodiments, the recalibration occurs aftera selected time period, such as, for example, after 1 day, after 5 days,after 10 days, after 20 days, after 30 days, or the like. In someembodiments, the recalibration occurs after a combination of the numberof dispenses and a period of time. In some embodiments, therecalibration occurs randomly.

In some embodiments, the recalculation occurs as a function of aparameter, such as, for example, the voltage. In some embodiments, theparameter is a voltage, and if the voltage changes by a predeterminedamount, such as, for example, the voltage of the power source changes bya selected threshold, e.g. drops a set amount or set percentage, therecalculation occurs. In some embodiments, the parameter is a currentdraw. For example, if the current draw of the motor increases by a setamount or set percentage, the recalculation occurs. In some embodiments,the recalculation does not occur unless the parameter is outside thethreshold on multiple dispenses in a row. Accordingly, the dispenser 100can self-adjust or auto-adjust to changes in the dispenser components,such as, for example, motor wear, efficiency, pump stiffness and wear,environmental factors and the like to allow the selected dose of fluidto be consistently dispensed within a selected parameter, such as, forexample, within a set dispense time.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrates exemplary waveform outputs by pulse widthmodulation circuitry 180 and switching device 182. In these exemplaryembodiments, the voltage is 5 volts and one cycle is 0.2 seconds. Thewave form of FIG. 2 represents a 25% duty cycle, which means that themotor receives voltage pulses that are approximately 0.05 seconds longat about 5 volts followed by 0.15 seconds of substantially no voltage.Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates a waveform that represents a 50% dutycycle, which means that the motor receives voltage pulses that areapproximately 0.1 seconds long at about 5 volts followed by 0.1 secondsof substantially no voltage. Any suitable duty cycle may be used in thepresent application. Typically, the duty cycle is greater than a 10%duty cycle. As used herein, duty cycle applies to the percentage of aunit that voltage is applied for. For example, a 100% duty cycle meansthat the voltage is constantly applied. A 90% duty cycle means that thevoltage is turned on for 90% of the cycle and off for 10% of the cycle.A 40% duty cycle means that the voltage is turned on for 40% of thecycle and off for 60% of the cycle.

In addition, in some embodiments, a change in voltage maybe used toachieve the same results. In some embodiments, the pulse widthmodulation circuitry may include voltage increasing/decreasingcircuitry.

In addition, dispenser 100 is a tunable dispenser. In other words,dispenser 100 may be tailored to desired customer output or formulavariations. For example, in some embodiments, the customer desires asmaller dose of fluid; in some embodiments, the customer desires a dryerfoam output; in some embodiments, the customer desires a wetter foamoutput. Dispenser 100 is configured to accommodate these examples, andmore.

The speed of motor 150 and pump 116 may be adjusted to adjust the foamquality. In this exemplary embodiment, pump 116 is a sequentiallyactivated multi-diaphragm foam pump. Pump 116 has three air pumpdiagrams and a single liquid pump diaphragm, which is shown anddescribed in one or more of the incorporated references. Because of theinteractions between the pump diaphragms, the liquid/air ratio in thefoam output is not consistent as the speed of pump 116 changes. Forexample, if pump 116 is run at a speed that dispenses foam that contains1.1 mL of liquid in 0.9 seconds, the foam is a wetter foam. If pump 116is run at a speed that dispenses foam that contains 1.1 mL of liquid in0.7 seconds, the foam is a medium wetness. If pump 116 is run at a speedthat dispensed foam that contains 1.1 mL of liquid in 0.5 seconds, thefoam is a dry foam. Accordingly, the foam characteristics of thesequentially activated multi-diaphragm foam pump may be altered based onthe speed of pump 116. In some embodiments, a user can connect aportable programming device to header 134 and change the desired speedof motor 150 and pump 116 to tailor the foam characteristics. In someembodiments, wireless communication circuitry 140 may be used to set themotor speed to alter the foam characteristics. In addition, the volumeof fluid per dispense dose may be altered by running the pump longer. Insome embodiments, pulse width modulation circuitry may be used tocontrol the speed. Pulse width modulation varies the power delivered tothe motor by varying the width of the pulse. Other power controlcircuitry includes circuitry for varying the voltage or varying thecurrent may be used to control the speed. All of the embodimentsdescribed herein with respect to pulse width modulation circuitry shouldalso be construed to disclosing power control circuitry for performingthe functions described herein with respect to pulse width modulationcircuitry.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary dispenser 400. Dispenser 400 issimilar to dispenser 100 and like components have the same numericalidentifiers and are not re-described herein. Dispenser 400 is anautocalibrating dispenser. In this exemplary embodiment, refill unit 112includes a key 420. Preferably key 420 is an electronic key that can beread by reader 410, such as, for example, an RFID device. In someembodiments, key 410 is a color key that can be read by reader 410. Insome embodiments, key 420 is a mechanical key that includes physicalindicia indicative of the refill characteristics. Thus, key 420 is readeither wirelessly, or through one or more sensors of the physicalindicia through reader 410.

As a function of the data read from key 420, processor 132 determinesthe operating parameters for dispensing fluid from refill 410. Forexample, refill unit 410 may contain soap, concentrated soap, lotion,sanitizer or another type of fluid. Each of these different types offluid may have different dispensing parameters or requirements. Forexample, if the refill unit 410 contains concentrated soap that requiresa higher volume of air, dispenser 400 may operate motor 150 at a higherrate to increase air to liquid ratio of the fluid output and operate thedispenser 400 for a shorter period of time to dispense a lower volume ofliquid. If the refill unit 410 includes non-concentrated soap, thedispenser may operate at a slower rate of speed for a longer time. Stillyet, if the refill unit 410 contains a sanitizer, the dispenser mayoperate at yet another speed for yet another length of time.Accordingly, the dispenser 400 has the ability to auto calibrate itsoperating characteristics, such as, for example, speed, time, volume andthe like as a function of data read from key 420. In addition, in someembodiments, the dispenser may alter the air to liquid ratio of foamoutputs without changing the volume of the air or liquid pump chambersand without physically changing the compression expansion stroke of theliquid pump chamber or air pump chamber.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser system500 having dispenser 501 and refill unit 550. In FIG. 5, refill unit 550is inserted in dispenser 501. In FIG. 6, refill unit 550 is locatedabove dispenser 501. Refill unit 550 includes a container 512 having aclosure 552. Container 512 is a semi-rigid container that is designed tomaintain its shape as liquid is drawn out of the container 512 and maybe referred to herein as a non-collapsible container. To preventcollapsing the container or building up an unacceptable vacuum pressure,located within closure 552 is a vent valve 554 for allowing air to flowinto the container as liquid flows out to allow container 512 tomaintain its shape and allow liquid to flow out of container 512. Ventvalve 554 is selected to have a low enough cracking pressure to preventcreating a vacuum pressure that would cause container 512 to deform orcollapse.

Also located within closure 552 is an outlet valve 556. Outlet valve 556is configured to prevent fluid form flowing out of the container 512when container 512 is not inserted into dispenser 501. In someembodiments, outlet valve 556 is a puncture valve. In other words,outlet valve 556 is solid without an opening until it is inserted intodispenser 501 and the outlet valve 556 is punctured by liquid inletconduit 532 when refill unit 550 is inserted into dispenser 501. In someembodiments, outlet valve 556 is a slit valve, or has a small openingthat is normally closed and opens when pushed over liquid inlet conduit532. In some embodiments, the outlet valve 556 may be elastomeric. Insome embodiments, the outlet valve 556 may made of rubber, silicon orthe like. In some embodiments, outlet valve 532 includes a movableportion (not shown) and a seat (not shown) and when refill unit 550 isinserted into dispenser 501 the movable portion moves off of the seat toallow fluid to flow out of container 512 into liquid inlet 532. Anexemplary refill unit is shown and described in U.S. provisional patentapplication 62/420,927, titled DISPENSERS, REFILL UNITS, ANDREUSABLE/REPLACEABLE PUMP ASSEMBLIES and filed on Nov. 11, 2016, and wasfiled as a PCT application No. PCT/US17/61013 on Nov. 10, 2017 and whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Dispenser 501 has a housing 502 and receptacle 610. Refill unit 550 fitsinto receptacle 610. Receptacle 610 includes a catch mechanism (notshown) that engages refill unit 550 and prevents refill unit 550 frombeing removed from receptacle 610. A release mechanism (not shown) isused to remove refill unit 550 from dispenser 501. Located at the bottomof receptacle 610 is liquid inlet conduit 556. Liquid inlet conduit 536is in fluid communications with reservoir 630.

Reservoir 630 may be formed in part by hosing 612. Housing 612 includesannular projection 614. Reservoir 630 includes reservoir housing 632which connects to housing 612. Located at one end of reservoir hosing632 is a liquid outlet 634 that includes an optional seal 638. Seal 638seals around pump inlet conduit 540. Other methods may be used toconnect conduit to reservoir housing 632 such as, for example, a welledconnection. Reservoir liquid inlet conduit 556 is off-set from reservoirliquid outlet conduit 634.

Reservoir 630 provides a reserve of fluid when refill unit 550 isreplaced. In some embodiments, the reserve of fluid helps prevent a lossof prime when refill unit 550 is replaced. In addition, in someembodiments, reservoir 630 allows flexibility for locating pump 520 andmotor 510 within housing 502. In some embodiments, the pump inletconduit 540 may be located at multiple positions, simply by rotatingreservoir housing 632. In addition, liquid outlet 634 may be moved todifferent locations on reservoir housing 34.

Pump 520, which may be any pump, such as, for example, thoseincorporated herein above, includes a liquid pump chamber 522 and aplurality of air pump diaphragms 524 (only one shown). Pump 520 includesa first liquid inlet valve 542, a second liquid inlet valve 542, amixing chamber 546, foaming member 548 and outlet 549. Dispenser 500 maybe operated as described in the other embodiments described orincorporated herein. In some embodiments, first liquid inlet valve 542has a first cracking pressure and second inlet valve 542 has a secondcracking pressure. In some embodiments, the first cracking pressure ishigher than the second cracking pressure. Exemplary embodiments havingtwo liquid inlet valves are shown and described in U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/581,820 titled Double Inlet Valve for EnhancedPump Efficiency filed on Nov. 6, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The methodologies disclosed herein may include additional steps or fewersteps. In addition, the order of the sequence of the blocks is notlimiting and the sequence may be performed in different or variousorders. FIG. 7 is an exemplary methodology 700 for controlling adispenser to ensure a consistent output throughout the life of therefill unit. The exemplary methodology 700 begins at block 702. At block704 a dispense event is detected. During a dispense event, the dispenserdispenses a set volume of fluid. In some embodiments, the dispenser isoriginally calibrated to dispense a set volume of fluid in a set time.For example, the dispenser may be set to dispense 1.1 mL of fluid in 0.7seconds. To achieve the desired speed/time of dispense, the pulse widthmodulation circuitry is initially set at a base or setpoint, such as,for example, a 25% duty cycle. In other words, if a cycle is 0.2seconds, the pulse with modulation circuitry, set a 25%, would deliver a0.05 second pulse of voltage to the motor out of 0.2 second cycle ortime frame for the selected period of time to dispense the selected doseof fluid.

Each time a dispense event occurs, a dispense parameter, such as, forexample, the time and/or speed of the dispense event is determined atblock 706. As described above, other parameters indicative of thedispense time and/or dose size may be measured include, for example,dispenser voltage, current draw and the like. In addition, as describedabove, in some embodiments, the dispense parameter is determined after aselected number of dispenses or after some other criteria is met.

The parameter, such as, for example, time and/or speed, for the dispenseis stored at block 708. At block 710 the parameter is compared to athreshold. If the desired parameter is number of dispenses, themethodology determines if the number of dispenses has passed a thresholdnumber of dispenses. If the threshold is time, the methodologydetermines if a set period of time has passed. The parameter is updatedand if the threshold has not been reached, the methodology loops toblock 704. If the threshold has been met, a determination of whether theparameter is within its acceptable limits, or within a set threshold.For example, if the parameter is speed, a determination is made as towhether the speed is within the acceptable limits or threshold. If itis, the methodology loops back to block 704. If it is not, the width ofthe voltage pulse powering the motor is adjusted. In some embodiments,one or more of the above blocks are not used. In some embodimentsadditional blocks are used.

In some embodiments, the dispenser is recalibrated after every dispenseand block 710 is not required. In some embodiments, the dispenser isrecalibrated after 2 or more dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 5 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 10 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 15 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 20 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 25 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 30 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 35 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 40 dispenses; in some embodiments, thedispenser is recalibrated after 45 dispenses or more.

In some embodiments, the parameter is time and in some embodiments, therecalibration occurs after a selected time period, such as, for example,after 1 day, after 5 days, after 10 days, after 20 days, after 30 days,or the like. In some embodiments, the recalibration occurs as a functionof a combination of the number of dispenses and one or more periods oftime. For example, the dispenser may typically recalibrate itself after25 dispenses, however, if a set time period, such as for example 5 dayshas passed since the last recalibration, it may only require 10dispenses to trigger a recalibration. In some embodiments, the dispensermay recalibrate after a selected number of dispenses or a selected timeperiod, whichever comes first.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary methodology 800 for auto-calibrating a dispenser.In some embodiments, the dispenser is able to dispense many differenttypes of products, such as, for example, soap, concentrated soap,sanitizer, foam sanitizer, lotion and the like. However, one or moredispensing parameters, such as, for example, amount of fluid, speed ofdispense, length of dispense and the like are different for thedifferent types of fluid. In some embodiments, a fluid having oneformulation, may be dispensed with different parameters based oncustomer preferences, such as, for example, the desire for a wetter foamor a dryer foam, or for a smaller or larger dose of fluid.

The exemplary methodology 800 begins at block 802 and at block 804 adetermination is made as to whether a new refill unit has been installedin the dispenser. If no new refill has been inserted in the dispenser,the methodology loops back to block 802. If a new refill unit has beeninstalled in the dispenser, data is read from the refill unit at block806. At block 808, the dispenser automatically calibrates the dispenserfor the type of fluid in the refill unit. In some embodiments, themethodology ends after block 808. In such and embodiment, the dispensercan only be calibrated for one type of fluid. This prevents a workerfrom accidently inserting the wrong type of fluid in a dispenser. Forexample, if the dispenser is used in a hospital and requires handsanitizer, lotion cannot be dispensed from the dispenser after it isinitially set up as a sanitizer dispenser. In some embodiments, themethodology does not end at block 808 but rather loops back and if a newrefill unit is installed and the data read from the refill unit isdifferent than the original refill unit, the parameters adjusted atblock 808 disables the dispenser. In some embodiments, if data read fromthe refill unit is different than the original refill unit, thedispenser is recalibrated for the new refill unit.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary methodology 900 for adjusting the output of adispenser. In some embodiments, the dispenser is adjusted to adjust thefluid output. The exemplary methodology begins at block 902. At block904 ad dispenser parameter, such as, for example, the dispenser speedmay be adjusted. The speed may be adjusted to, for example, adjust thewetness or dryness of a foam output. A faster speed gives a wetter foamoutput and a slower speed produces a dryer foam. The methodology moversto block 906 and, if desired, the volume of output is adjusted. Otherparameters, such as, for example, time between dispenses, excessive useparameters and the like may be set. In some embodiments, limiting theability for a user to obtain many doses of fluid over a short period oftime may be desirable to prevent waste. In some embodiments, excessiveuse parameters may be set, to for example, prevent someone fromobtaining more fluid from the dispenser over a set time.

The parameters may be adjusted by connecting to the header, orcommunication port, of the dispenser with a portable device, such as,for example, a laptop or PDA. In some embodiments, the dispenserparameters are configured wirelessly, through for example, one or morenetworks, through the internet, or in close proximity, by for example, ablue tooth connection to a PDA, such as, for example, a smart phone.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventionsmay be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination inthe exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and featuresmay be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or invarious combinations and sub-combinations thereof. It is not theintention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope ofthe appended claims to such detail. Unless expressly excluded herein,all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within thescope of the present inventions. Still further, while variousalternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and featuresof the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures,configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software,hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, andso on—may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to bea complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments,whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art mayreadily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or featuresinto additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the presentinventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein.Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of theinventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement ormethod, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature isrequired or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further,exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assistin understanding the present disclosure; however, such values and rangesare not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to becritical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, whilevarious aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identifiedherein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, suchidentification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may beinventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described hereinwithout being expressly identified as such or as part of a specificinvention. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are notlimited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor isthe order in which the steps are presented to be construed as requiredor necessary unless expressly so stated.

I/We claim:
 1. A soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenser comprising: ahousing; a receptacle for receiving a container; a container of fluidcomprising soap, sanitizer or lotion; a pump in fluid communication withthe container; a power source; a motor; the pump coupled to the motor;pulse width modulation circuitry in circuit communication with the powersource and the motor; wherein the pulse width modulation circuitry isinitially set to cause a selected dose of fluid to be dispensed at abase speed; a sensor for detecting a parameter indicative of an actualspeed of a dispense of the fluid; wherein if the actual speed of thedispense of fluid is less than the base speed or greater than the basespeed, the pulse width modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width tocause the speed of a following dispense of fluid to be closer to thebase speed.
 2. The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 1wherein the sensor for detecting a parameter detects rotation of thepump or motor.
 3. The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 1wherein the sensor for detecting a parameter is an optical sensor. 4.The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 1 wherein the pulsewidth modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width when the actual speedis outside a threshold value of the base speed.
 5. The soap, sanitizingor lotion dispenser of claim 4 wherein the threshold is plus or minusabout 5% of the base speed.
 6. The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenserof claim 1 wherein the pulse width modulation circuitry adjusts thepulse width when after a preselected number of dispenses of fluid. 7.The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 1 wherein the pulsewidth modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width after a preselectedtime period has elapsed.
 8. The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser ofclaim 1 wherein the pulse width modulation circuitry adjusts the pulsewidth as a function of a preselected number of dispenses of fluid and anelapsed time period.
 9. (canceled)
 10. (canceled)
 11. (canceled) 12.(canceled)
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 16. (canceled)17. (canceled)
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 21. A soap,sanitizer or lotion dispenser comprising: a housing; a receptacle forreceiving a container; a container of fluid comprising soap, sanitizeror lotion; a key secured to the container; the key containing dataindicative of a parameter used to determine a dispense speed anddispense time; a reader for reading the data on the key; a processor;pulse width modulation circuitry; a motor; a pump coupled to the motor;a power source; wherein the processor causes the pulse width modulationcircuitry to deliver a voltage to the motor having a pulse widthselected as a function of the data read from the key to dispense at thedesired speed for a desired dispense time.
 22. The soap, sanitizer orlotion dispenser of claim 21 further comprising a sensor for detecting aparameter indicative of an actual speed of dispense and wherein thepulse width modulation circuitry adjusts the width of the voltage pulsesapplied to the motor in a subsequent dispense to cause the dispensespeed to be closer to the dispense speed that is a function of theparameter stored on the key.
 23. The soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenserof claim 22 wherein the sensor detects rotation of the pump or motor.24. (canceled)
 25. The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 22wherein the pulse width modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse widthwhen the actual speed is outside a threshold value of the base speed.26. The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 25 wherein thethreshold is plus or minus about 5% of the base speed.
 27. The soap,sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 22 wherein the pulse widthmodulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width when after a preselectednumber of dispenses of fluid.
 28. The soap, sanitizing or lotiondispenser of claim 22 wherein the pulse width modulation circuitryadjusts the pulse width after a preselected time period has elapsed. 29.The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 22 wherein the pulsewidth modulation circuitry adjusts the pulse width as a function of apreselected number of dispenses of fluid and an elapsed time period. 30.The soap, sanitizing or lotion dispenser of claim 22 wherein the keycomprises data indicative of the type of fluid in the container andwherein the processor sets the dispenser to operate for the type offluid in the first container and prevents operation of the dispenserfrom operators with subsequent containers of fluid if the type of fluidis different than the first type of fluid.
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)33. (canceled)
 34. A soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenser comprising: ahousing; a receptacle for receiving a container; a reservoir locatedbelow the receptacle; the reservoir having an inlet; the reservoirhaving an outlet; wherein the inlet and the outlet are offset from oneanother; a pump; the pump having an inlet connected to the reservoiroutlet; a motor coupled to the pump; a power source; wherein thereservoir is filled from a refill unit and wherein the pump draws fluidout of the reservoir.
 35. The soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenser ofclaim 34 reservoir is formed of a first portion that has a first annularwall and includes the inlet and a second portion that has a secondannular wall and includes the outlet; and wherein the first annular walland the second annular wall connect to one another to form thereservoir.
 36. The soap, sanitizer or lotion dispenser of claim 34wherein the first portion and the second portion may be rotated tochange the offset distance between the inlet and the outlet. 37.(canceled)
 38. (canceled)
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